Packard Music plans for new box office

WARREN -- Plans for a new box office at the city-owned W.D. Packard Music Hall are under way Linda Metzendorf, Packard board trustee, said Thursday the board has seen design plans drafted by Olsavsky Jaminet Architects of Youngstown. The city will have to go out to bid for construction, and Metzendorf said it should be completed by April or May. The high-tech ticketing office is part of a plan designed to make the hall financially self-sufficient. Packard trustees and officials also have obtained liquor and food service licenses to boost revenue. Metzendorf said a recent two-day wrestling event would have netted about $2,500 for the city in past years. Because of the food and liquor concessions, the hall brought in nearly $10,000 this year. Community meetings were held last year to discuss possible uses and revenue enhancing ideas. The city cut part of its subsidy in 2000 when other budget cuts were made. It has agreed to help with funding while the self-sufficiency plan is worked out. Packard trustees also have agreed to retain the architects to do a study of the stage area so it can be updated and to design a band shell.